Prime Minister's message for Diwali

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Prime Minister has sent his best wishes to all communities in Britain and around the world celebrating Diwali, the 'festival of lights'

In his message, Mr Cameron said that the themes of togetherness, truth and service were “shared values” for the whole country.

He also paid tribute to the social, cultural and economic contribution made by British Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

The PM said:

I would like to send my very best wishes to all our communities celebrating the festival of Diwali.

I was privileged to be invited to join the Diwali celebrations at the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden a couple of years ago. I saw then how the values of Diwali - togetherness, truth and service - are values that speak to us all. And I am proud to be Prime Minister of a country that is not only enriched and strengthened by its diversity but is also united by these shared values.

As families and communities come together to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope, I would like to pay tribute to the enormous social, cultural and economic contribution that generations of British Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists have made to our country. And to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Diwali.